HFMA National Chair Encourages Healthcare Finance Professionals to ‘Imagine Tomorrow’

Yesterday is forgotten. Today is almost gone. We must look forward to building a better tomorrow.

With so many challenges facing us in the healthcare industry, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. It is important, however, to remember that we are more than capable of addressing these challenges, achieving our goals, and realizing the full potential of the Triple Aim. Although we have the necessary knowledge and skills, it is simply not enough. Effective execution of our vision requires confidence, optimism, and a belief that we can do so much more by working together. Most important, we need to tap into our imaginations.

That is why I have selected Imagine Tomorrow for my theme as HFMA’s 2018-19 National Chair. Over the next year, I hope to encourage healthcare finance professionals and our industry partners to imagine a tomorrow where everyone has access to care when they need it; where care is consistently delivered safely, reliably, and following best practices; and where every man, woman, and child can afford and receive the care they need.

My belief in the power of imagination has deep roots, as I have been privileged to witness its impact both personally and professionally. Chances are good you have experienced it as well. Imagination, for example, led previous generations to board ships to America in pursuit of their dream for a better tomorrow. They had a vision, took risks, and worked tirelessly to overcome every hurdle. Likewise, we have all been encouraged by the success of organizations where bold leadership, teamwork, and inspiring visions have produced boundless imagination and innovation. Thanks to such efforts, we have witnessed administrative, clinical, and scientific advances that have benefited us both as individuals and as a society.

Even with all these advances, however, there is much to be done. That is why we must ask ourselves how we and the teams with whom we work can build a better tomorrow. I believe the answer to that question lies in our ability–and our willingness–to use our imagination and innovation to renew ourselves, inspire our teams, improve our organizations, and leave our communities and the world a much better place.

I look forward to exploring these issues with you in the coming months—both in person and here in hfm. In the meantime, I hope you, too, will commit to making a difference by accepting the challenge to Imagine Tomorrow.